Vintage autos on display at Plains Day

PLAINS – Engines roared and shiny vehicles of all makes, models and years lined the grassy span of the greenway as the 2014 Plains Day Car and Motorcycle show took place on Saturday.

As Plains Day progressed into the afternoon, curious onlookers were drawn to the wide array of vehicles.

Mixed among the vendors, owners proudly sat by their prized vehicles showing off their handiwork to those passing by.

Many of the models were in impressive condition, still running well, with a beautiful exterior and interior.

This fact is made more impressive when one considers that many of the automobiles on display were nearly 50 and some were over 50 years old.

A wide variety of vintage vehicles were on display. Ranging from a beautiful 1972 BMW R7515 motorcycle belonging to Roger Lund of Plains to a 1961 Studebaker Hawk, owned by Dan Whittenburg of Thompson Falls.

There was even a retro camper, a 1955 Aljoa Sportsman attached to Ken Saner’s Ford Galaxie 500.

The awards for the show were split into three different categories to match the variety of vehicles produced in the different eras of the 20th century.

There was a 1948 and over category for the oldest models on display, mainly pickup trucks in beautiful condition despite their advanced age.

The second age group was made up of automobiles from 1949 to 1972, a grouping featuring classic roadsters and touring vehicles characteristic of a time in American automotives when the price of gasoline was less of a concern for designers and drivers.

The final bracket, featured cars and trucks from 1973 to the present day, comprising a few beautiful models. Despite not being as old as some of the other vehicles on display the cars were just as impressive, especially when one looked under the hood.

This year’s car and motorcycle show was able to draw participants who had not taken place in the car show in the past.

“There were a few car owners who had not participated in the show before,” Todd Logan said.

When the awards were distributed to participants at the end of the show, best in show went to Roger Lund’s BMW.

The people’s choice award went to Wally Logan and his 1941 Chevy ? ton pickup, a vehicle in mint condition.

The ? ton Chevy pickup also took home honors for the senior age group of cars.

The 1961 Studebaker Hawk won out for the 1949 to 1972 grouping, while the modern winner was a 1973 Chevrolet Camaro LT.

At the end of the ceremony the idea was floated for next year’s participants to take their prized vehicles on a road trip to a burger joint across the Idaho line.

T. Logan was pleased with how this year’s show turned out as he packed up his equipment, with the help of a few friendly volunteers.

“We had a pretty good turnout. It’s always fun to get the cars out here,” Logan said.

Once the ceremony was over the historic cars fired up their engines and headed out onto the road.